10 reasons to seek Self Care

Do any of these statements reflect where you are right now? Don’t fret – there is hope. While sometimes we need to take baby-steps to getting back to the life we crave and deserve, it is possible to get on that return journey and start enjoying life once again.

Have you ever heard of the phrase SELF CARE is HEALTH CARE?

Probably not; because we have been brought up to believe that taking care of ourselves is selfish and we should put everyone else first. And we do, most of the time. This is especially true for us women, who day in and day out we begin and end our days by serving our families, loved ones and all those we come in contact with. But just because we are caretakers by nature and have this innate tendency to care for everyone all the time it does not mean we need to drain ourselves doing so. Guys as well. The role of men in society is not looked at lightly either. They are family supporters, financially, emotionally and physically and are expected to be there at all times to fulfill their role. What happens though when your cup is not only empty but just plain dry? How do you selflessly give of yourself when you don’t have an ounce of energy to spare?

Enter Self Care!

Taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally is anything but selfish.

You know the saying “If Mama aint happy there aint nobody happy?” Well, what it means is that when we feel tired, drained, emotionally exhausted and financially tapped (male or female), the challenge can be so great that we want to withdraw from life and can go into a spell of depression and self-pity. We can feel so overwhelmed, that even though we are in auto pilot and things get done, deep inside we just want to curl up and “die”.

If you took a moment right now to take inventory of your emotional well-being what would you come up with?

What in your everyday life brings you joy?

Who do you spent your time with that uplifts and inspires you?

What small or large things do you partake in during your every day that bring a sense of joy and renewal?

What dreams, goals and aspirations do you have to look forward to?

If you are having trouble coming up with any positive statements and goals, then chances are you are needing some down time. You might say “But I don’t have time for downtime”. Work cannot wait, bills need to get paid, kids need to be driven around, dinner made, house cleaned – whatever it looks like in your life – and I can’t take time off for me. That would be irresponsible!

Do you know though that in just one hour a week or a few minutes a day you can begin to give your life a chance at being something your enjoy and crave?

You don’t need an entire spa day or a silent retreat to feel great – although those would help too.

You just need to make a commitment to yourself for a few minutes a day, to allow yourself the moment of pause. And do you know that by keeping your battery charged you can be more efficient and take better care of others, because you have the energy and you are in a good mood?

Stop for a moment and look at the pretty sky and perhaps walk barefoot and sit by a soft grassy spot. Take a few full, inspiring and energizing breaths before you rush on to the next thing. Mind your diet and be mindful of what and how you eat instead of woofing down your lunch before your next appointment.

And make a commitment to yourself to attend a regular scheduled appointment at least once a month, to take care of your body and mind. A time where you shut off your phone and allow yourself to receive and renew your senses. Start off slow – maybe just once a month, and let yourself just blissfully disappear into a place where time and space do not matter! YOU DESERVE IT! And so do your loved ones.

With heartfelt blessings,

 

 

 “Every thought and every emotion is followed by a biochemical reaction in your body.”